Boat Test: 2023 Pursuit S 248 Sport

Overview

There’s little entry-level about the Pursuit S 248 Sport. Think of it as a more easily trailerable, single-engine version of the S 268. And it even one-ups its larger sibling with a few functional and innovative refinements.

The S 248 gains 14 inches in length compared to the C 238 it replaces. This provides extra fishing space in the cockpit, plus more room to stand and sit at the helm and in the bow. It also weighs 1,470 pounds more than its predecessor. This extra heft subtracts a few miles per hour from its top speed, according to a previous Boating certified test (46 mph versus 48.4 mph), while the effect on fuel economy at 4,500 rpm showed 2.25 mpg versus 2.45 mpg.

The trade-off, besides the extra room aboard, is a better ride when seas kick up thanks to the additional weight and slightly greater length-to-beam ratio. We tested its seakeeping ability in a medium-angry Fort Pierce Inlet, not far from the Pursuit Boats plant. The S 248’s 21-degree deadrise cleaved the steep 3-footers. Also, credit for a solid feel is due to Pursuit’s vacuum-infused, one-piece structural-grid backbone that negates hull flexing. The three-sided tempered-glass windshield protected the helm from spray, which we quickly cleared with a swipe of the ­optional wiper ($470) and a spritz from its freshwater system.

Interior and Accessories

The S 248 Sport’s seating stands out. Aft, a fold-down bench is cleverly engineered to simultaneously raise the backrest when deployed. At the helm were optional twin independently adjustable seats, each with armrests and flip-up bolsters. These made it easy to view our test boat’s twin 12-inch Garmin multifunction displays. The upgraded seats are bundled with an Edson stainless-steel wheel for $3,510. In front of the center console, there’s a double-wide seat with a tall backrest ­perfectly angled for comfort, and there’s still room for two adults even with the armrests deployed.

The two forward bench seats on our test boat sported the optional bowrider backrests ($1,630) that do double duty as coaming pads when swiveled away. Another benefit to the bow seats is an available bow table ($1,610) that can drop to transform the bow into a casting platform when the cushions are stowed away, or it turns into a sunning area with the pads in place.

Usually, the addition of a windlass negates the ability to add a bow ladder. Pursuit found room for both features by setting the optional ladder ($1,200) sidesaddle to the windlass ($1,475). When the optional freshwater system ($2,100) is added, it includes a bow shower for beach-sand rinse-offs, a windshield washer and a transom shower. The system also feeds the optional electric marine head ($3,050) with its deck pump-out. The head compartment’s front-opening door makes entry easier.

Pursuit upped the S 248 Sport’s fishing acumen with in-sole 11-gallon fish boxes. Behind the helm seats you’ll find a roomy tackle storage drawer and, below, a 45-quart Yeti cooler that slides out and offers a padded seat for watching a trolling spread. The deployed cooler does double duty as a step to help reach the four rocket launchers in the standard hardtop, which has supports integrated into the console.

A 24-gallon recirculating livewell resides at the transom and has a clear lid for bait monitoring. Four more rod holders are located on the transom, and there are four set into the gunwale along with four beverage holders that can hold 30-ounce Yeti cooler cups (10 in total). Under the gunwales are rod racks for a 7.5-foot spinning rod and a 9.5-foot fly rod. There’s also dedicated storage for the carbon-fiber pole supports for the optional fore and aft sunshades.

To up the entertainment quotient, select the optional six-speaker JL Audio marine system with its twin 8-inch subwoofers ($5,915), and add the integrated ski tow pylon ($1,200) that pops up out of the transom.

Engine

Pursuit takes the confusion out of selecting the best power option by equipping all S 248 models with Yamaha’s F300 DES V-6 outboard in white only. This boasts digital electric steering, which makes possible a wholly usable, full-beam swim platform—a rarity on outboard-powered boats. With no hydraulic hoses, Pursuit designers routed the single rigging tube underneath a hinged panel covering the splashwell, a feature even bigger Pursuit center-consoles don’t have. The swim platform extends 45 inches on each side of the engine, creating unparalleled space for a boat this size. There’s even a wet storage compartment for ski ropes or beverages. For ease of boarding, the transom door is held open by magnets, and there’s a one-way flap for letting water drain out.

The F300 delivered strong performance, pushing the S 248 on plane in 4 seconds and to 30 mph in 11.1 seconds. As mentioned, it topped out at 46 mph, and it felt great running at 35 mph with the engine humming at 4,500 rpm.

Those looking for a similar boat with twin engines should check EdgeWater’s 245CC. A foot shorter, it’s offered with up to twin Yamaha F200 outboards, making it potentially about 8 mph faster. With a single Yamaha F300 DES, the price is $284,790, about $20,000 more than a stock S 248.

How We Tested

• Engine: Single Yamaha F300 DES
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/15 1/2″ x 17″ Yamaha Saltwater Series II
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 36 gal. Water Onboard: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 535 lb.

High Points

• Huge swim platform is the largest in its class.
• Head compartment opens from the front, making it usable even by large crewmembers.
• Excellent access to all boat systems, including fuel-tank fittings.   

Low Points

• Glass windshield is way more protective  than that aboard other boats, but it needs a vent for added airflow at slow speeds.
• Could use grab rails behind helm seats.
• Helm-seat adjustment levers can poke the back of your thigh when standing.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Pursuit Boats – pursuitboats.com